CONGENITAL ANOMALIES IN NEWBORN

Abstract

Objective: To determine congenital anomalies in newborn and associated maternal risk factors. Design: Cross sectionalobservational study. Setting: Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics unit 1 Lahore General Hospital Lahore. Period: From Jan 2007—Dec2007. Patients & methods: All the women who have given birth to babies with congenital abnormalities were recorded. Diagnosis of neonatalcongenital anomalies was based on clinical evaluation of newborn by experienced neonatologist. Results: During the study period, 2872patients delivered, of which 48 had congenitally malformed babies, makes the prevalence of 16 per 1000 births. Congenital anomalies weremost commonly 52.26% seen in the 21-30 years. The most frequent associated risk factor was history of consanguineous marriage in 45.83%.Neural tube defects were found to be commonest type of anomaly. Among the most frequent neural tube defect was hydrocephalus andanencephaly. Conclusion: The commonest associated risk factor was consanguineous marriage the frequency of which may be reduced bycreating awareness regarding the avoidance of consanguineous marriages. NTD were the most prevalent anomaly detected and early prenataldiagnosis is helpful in decreasing the indirect prevalence of perinatal mortality by offering early termination.